Made my first run pulling my 37' DayDreamer this week up 226 out of Marion, NC to BlueRidge Parkway. We drove several hundred miles empty with just the 3500 while we were gone. The new JakeBrake worked extremely well navigating all the hills and the 48re downshifted extremely well and was responsive. I would guess that the descent down 226 while empty, the 3500 under NO circumstances would increase in speed. The Jake would hold the truck back and actually would decel to much. While under load pulling the DayDreamer down 226, I would have to have gear lever in 2nd. with the TC locked. 1st. gear would not lockup or engage the Jake.
Especially down this hair pin turn road the travel was extremely slow and the Jake did help but I did not know what to expect and was almost disappointing. If allowed this 15k load would push me to red-line if I did not use my braking system.
I was extremely impressed with the 48re and it's downshifting. The JakeBrake did do well while on the Interstate.
The JakeBrake (JB) did change the shifting patterns of the 48re, it made the TC lock sooner. You also will have to modify your driving methods a little. If you top some hills and want to coast down and pick up a little speed you will have to keep you foot on the pedal just a little to make the computer think you are fueling. The JB would then not kick in.
All in all, I think it will be a long term investment.

Installation photos on my website below.

 

Glad to hear that since soon I shall to be pulling on the same hill.Just need to get more miles in on break in.Are you in Marion or other...Will send you a PM for more info.Which dealer did the install?

 

Tim Marburger in Concord, NC did the install. They did a very good job. I just travel thru Marion a lot.

 

Thats the main reason I went to a stick on this truck, I always seem to end up off the beaten path, on hills-mountains I shouldn't be, the exhaust brake with a stick will work very well in 1st gear if you need it. Other than that I prefer a good performance auto.

 

DanTana:

I just order the cummins (jb) for my 06, I was under the impression that it works inline ECM. The reason for my question is that i would not like to mount anything inside the cab. Is it required to mount that switch on your gear lever?

Thanks....

 

The switch does not look waterproof. I think it would need to go somewhere in the cab.

 

my question is : is this the way the system is activated or is the swith a manual bypass.

basically, is it automatic?

does it require constant driver input?

thanks.....

 

The operation of the JB is totally automatic after you turn on the switch. With the switch on when you first start your truck the JB will engage to help warm your engine. If you don't want that warming I just turn off the switch. After I get to driving the truck I then pull the switch out to turn on the JB. Then if you are in an RPM range (about 1500RPM) and the TC is locked up and you start slowing down the JB will engage. If you have a 2006 48re it will downshift automatically when it needs to. It is pretty responsive to road conditions. Periodically you may need to pull your shift lever down into #2 to get it to shift but not often.

 

It works EXTREMELY well with the cruise control....

Coming off 6-7% grades with 3k (my) boat or 4.5k (buddies) boat, it would hold to the cruise setpoint, engaging and disengaging the jake automtically.

Tony

 

thanks for the clarification......

i should have my by the end of next week and hope i have the same results....

thanks....

Prospector

 

I'm confused. You are calling this a DG Jakebrake. Is that the name? Or do you mean "exhaust" brake? Who is DG? Technically, a Jake brake is a Jacobs engine brake, working entirely different than the exhaust brake.

My "Jacobs Exhaust Brake" is super, especially on my manual six speed. I have hit some 12% grades with a 16,000 fiver on the back and never felt uncomfortable at all. All the way to the bottom and maybe used the brakes twice, once to stop and take pics. I use it running solo quite often.

To elucidate a little more to the question below concerning the operation of the brake, when the brake is turned on, if you take your foot off the accelerator, the brake will engage in about 2 seconds. It immediately goes off with the application of a little go pedal.

Bob

 

Regarding the switch: Why is it so large? Is it a cable switch? Is there any way to use a small toggle switch instead?

 

(DG) Dodge (DG) Dodge (DG) Dodge
The Jacobs Brake the dealer installed on my 2006 is a Jacobs Brake with a (Mopar) parts number.

 

Thanks, Dan - - I thought maybe there was a new brake out I had not yet heard about. A JAKE brake is on the big OTR diesels that you hear making horrible noises slowing down at the ramp coming off the interstate - - right where they put all RV campgrounds so the JAKE brakes can keep you awake all night. GRRRRRRR

You will really love that ebrake - - I have 48,000 on my truck, most of it pulling the fiver - - my brakes look new.

Bob